Premier soccer streamed for US

[BGonaSTICK]

Vividas (VDS.L), the video streaming technology company, announces that it has reached a three year agreement with Fox Soccer Channel (”FSC”) to stream Barclays Premier League (“BPL”) matches in the USA.

Using Vividas VivStream PPV streaming technology, FSC, part of the Fox Cable Networks group, owned by News Corporation, will stream multiple BPL games every week. Matches will be available on FSC’s popular web site foxsoccer.com.

The three year agreement also includes plans to add live streaming of other top-tier football events including FA Cup fixtures and UEFA Cup matches as well as select European Championship Qualifiers. As part of the BPL subscription packages, viewers also will be offered the ability to view classic matches from the English Premier League archive.

The agreement follows successful streaming trials of 10 live matches from the 2007 Copa Libertadores (the South American equivalent of the Champions League) and European Championship qualifiers. Users were able to view full matches in high quality full screen resolution.

Over 150 matches annually will be offered to a U.S. audience on a pay per view, subscription and advertising-supported basis. Matches will be available at prices from $4 to $8 depending on whether they are available live or on a delayed basis. A season-long subscription package is also expected.

Paul Neville, Chief Executive of Vividas, stated, “This is fantastic news for Vividas and supports our belief that Vividas provides the best streaming solution in the marketplace, offering full screen quality, reach and cost efficiencies through http streaming. We are delighted that FSC has chosen to work with us. FSC clearly recognises the benefits of using the Vividas technology which will give its audiences a true TV experience.”

David Sternberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager, FSC, said, ‘’The Barclays Premier League is the worlds best soccer and with the start of our new three year broadcast agreement with the Premier League, FSC is committed to delivering these games to the widest audience possible. Vividas’ streaming technology is uniquely suited to deliver this thrilling content. The quality full-screen experience that customers will experience will change the way people think of Internet video. ’’

Source: Vividas